Cordyceps sinensis

TIBETau

Mission Anastore

Promoting Tibetanmedicinal plants

DESCRIPTIONAND HABITAT

Cordycepssinensis

1

Distribution zone

Primary distribution zone

Sichuan

BHUTAN

N E P A LKathmandu

INDIADelhi

C H I N A

T I B E T

Dawo

GarzêDêgêDzongsar

M Y A N M A R L

Litang

Yushu

Luhuo

ShigatseLhasa

Xining

Sêrtar

Qinghai

Chamdo

Autonomous region

1) Everest seen from the monastery ofRongbuk. Everest base camp, Tibetanside.

2) DzongsarValley, Dêgê, Garzê TibetanAutonomous Prefecture.

3)Cordyceps sinensis.

2

3

Cordyceps sinensis (Cephalosporium sinensis) is an ascomycota fungus that belongs to theClavicipitaceae family and the Hypocreales Order. It is found in the Tibetan plateau, China, Bhutan,Nepal and the north-east regions of India at altitudes of between 3,000 and 5,000 metres.

In Tibet it is known as Yartsa gunbu (“summer grass winter worm”), in Nepal as Yarsagumba, inDolpa as Kira (1)and in China as Hia tsao tong tchong or Dong Chong Xia Cao.

It is an endoparasitic and entomopathogenic fungus that has been used in Traditional Tibetan andChinese Medicine for centuries, with strong roots in these cultures. This endoparasitic fungus issurrounded by mysticism and legend, in part due to its unique life cycle and the area from whichit comes.

Its life cycle proceeds through the following stages: in autumn, fungus spores infect the larvae ofthe Thitarodes butterfly, known as the “ghost moth”. The spores geminate and the fungus feedson the body of the caterpillar.

At the end of the winter, the fungus emerges from the larva: it has consumed the body of thecaterpillar but retains its shape, with the fruiting body (stroma) of the fungus emerging from thehead of the caterpillar. This can be seen on the surface.

Cordyceps was discovered in Tibet over 1,000 years ago when a shepherd noticed that his animalsshowed improved strength and energy after eating the fungus(2). On an international level, it gainednotoriety in the 90s when Chinese athletes setting new world records in various disciplines revealedthat the fungus was part of their diet(2-3). It has been registered in Chines Pharmacopoeia sincethe 1960s, with its use becoming much more widespread in 2003 due to the SARS outbreak(4).

QUALITY

Cordycepssinensis

4

4)Cordyceps harvest area, DzongsarValley,Dêgê, Garzê Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture.

Cordyceps is always collected in June and July, with a larva-heavy stroma-larva ratio always beingfavoured. In terms of quality, the colour of the larva exoskeleton is also important: a more intenseyellow colour indicates a better quality specimen. Greater consistency is also an indicator of betterquality.

CONSUMPTIONCordyceps is consumed so much principally due to the many medicinal properties attributed to itwhich led to it becoming known as the Viagra of the Himalayas(1,5). Cordyceps extract can now befound in capsule form(6), but traditionally it was prepared with chicken, duck or pork, depending onwhich illness it was being used to treat(2-3,7). It can also be drunk in a hot water infusion that doesn’texceed 60°C: it is left to infuse overnight before being drunk in the morning. It can also be takenin soup, with rice wine or prepared in a tea.

Despite current high demand, harvesting of the fungus has decreased for various reasons: excessivecollection of immature or even mature specimens (which have no commercial value), which stopsthe fungus from being able to sporulate and reproduce; a reduction in the butterfly and larvapopulation due to the loss and degradation of its host plants; changes to the spores’ ideal microhabitatcaused by harvesters, increased shepherding and climate change(1).

In response to the fact that traditional cultivation methods cannot face the current high demand,various strains have been produced using fermentation(6) and a patent exists for a procedure forgrowing the fungus on a substrate. Nonetheless, it would be better to maintain its cultivation in itsplace of origin, not only for conservational purposes, but also because it is estimated that itsharvesting and commercialization represents 40% of the income of the rural populations in Tibet(1,5).

CORDYCEPS:A VALUABLE GIFT

Cordycepssinensis

5

5)Purification platform for Tibetanpharmacopoeia products. Dzongsarmedical dispensary.

6)Cordyceps sinensis.

7)The valley from the Ganden monasteryin North-East Lhasa, Tibet.

Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus endemic to the Tibetan plateau. It holds much symbolic meaningand is considered a panacea due to the numerous medicinal properties attributed to its use.

Its restricted distribution area, unique life cycle as well as the symbology and legend that surroundit make Cordyceps an exclusive and luxury product that obtains high market prices.

Highly-prized in Tibetan and Chinese culture, it is a gift that shows greatrespect and a desire for the recipient to enjoy a long life.

6

7

CHEMICALCOMPOSITION

CORDYCEPINE(3’-DESOXYADENOSINE)

H

NO

OH

N

N

HOCH 2

NH2

N

CORDYCEPIC ACID (D-MANITOL)

OO

HH

H HOO

HHOO

Cordycepssinensis

The following describes the compounds present in Cordyceps sinensis that are of pharmalogical interest:

NUCLEOSIDESNucleosides are the union of a nitrogen base and a pentose. They are considered to be the primarybioactive compounds of Cordyceps sinensis. The nucleosides identified are adenine, adenosine,cytosine, cytidine, uridine, guanine, guanosine, hypoxanthine, inosine, thymine, thymidine, 2’-deoxydurine and cordycepin. These molecules play a role in the regulation and modulation ofvarious physiological processes in the central nervoussystem(3-8).

Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine) also carries out an anti-tumour action thanks to its ability toreplace adenosine and impede RNA synthesis(9-10). It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

POLYSACCHARIDESPolysaccharides are macromolecules which can play energetic and structural roles. They havebeen identified as mannoglucan, exopolysaccharides, heteropolysaccharides and D-glucan(4). Theyare a major component of Cordyceps sinensis and are responsible for a large number of the fungus’spharmaceutical properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumour, anti-metastitic,immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidemic(8-9).

STEROLSVarious sterols have been isolated in Cordyceps sinensis extracts, notably ergosterol (a componentof the cell membrane of the fungus and a precursor to vitamin D2) which carries out anti-tumouractivities and has been shown to be naturally occurring in large quantities in Cordyceps sinensis(8).

Other compoundsOther interesting compounds isolated in Cordyceps sinensis include: proteins, peptides, polyamines,essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and cyclic dipeptides with antimicrobial properties (4,7). D-manitol(cordycepic acid) is also found in high percentages (3.4% of total dry weight) and shows diuretic, antitussiveand antioxydative properties(8).

Photo:(8).

8

8)Cordyceps sinensis.

MEDICINALPROPERTIES

Cordycepssinensis

9

9)Tibetan pharmacy in Sêrtar,GarzêTibetanAutonomousPrefecture.

10)On the peaks, DzongsarValley, Dêgê.

Numerous therapeutic properties are attributed to Cordyceps: hypocholesterolemic, anti-fatigue,anti-aging, renal function improvement, anti-stress, cerebral damage improvement, anti-inflammatory,anti-tumour activity, hypotensive effect, sexual activity improvement and aphrodisiac qualities(5,8,11).

Various in vitro and in vivo studies support Cordyceps sinensis extract’s reported pharmacologicalpotential and biological activity(3,4):

METABOLISM OF LIPIDS AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS. DIABETESCordycepin can reduce overall levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides inthe blood(12). Furthermore, its effect on glucose metabolism in the blood gives it the potential toregulate glucose levels in the blood.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND REPARATIVE PROPERTIES.IMMUNOMODULATORYIt has also been reported to be effective as a therapeutic agent for cases of renal failure and gastricdamage, with the aqueous Cordyceps sinensis extract stimulating cell proliferation and migration(3).Various studies have demonstrated the effect of using Cordyceps sinensis extract in the treatmentof patients suffering from lupus, patients with chronic renal failure and immunosuppressed patients(4,6).

ANTIOXYDATIVE AND ANTI-AGINGThere is increasing evidence linking the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) todegenerative diseases. Various studies show the in vitro antioxidative potential of Cordycepssinensis extract, with it improving the activity of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase…)and reducing oxidative stress(6-7).

One study showed that the symptoms of aging (memory loss, reduced antioxidative enzyme activityand sexual function) improved after treatment with aqueous extracts of Cordyceps(13).

ADAPTOGENIC SPECIESCordyceps Is an adaptogenic species which increases the ability of an organism to adapt to variousenvironmental factors and deal with stress(14).

10

OTHERPROPERTIES

Cordycepssinensis

11

ANTI-FATIGUEA reduction in fatigue and an increased libido have been reported after consumption of the mycelium(the vegetal body of the fungus) of Cordyceps sinensis. It also increases ATP levels: the cell’senergetic molecule which increases the efficiency of oxygen use(7). Koh and co.(14) investigated theanti-fatigue effect of mycelium extract and confirmed that its ingestion led to prolonged exerciseand reduced fatigue.

A study was carried out recently on amateur cyclists who were given a food supplement containingstandardized extract of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium. Analysis of the ratio of their salivatestosterone/cortisol content after physical effort showed higher levels of testosterone and lowerlevels of cortisol. This is linked to the body’s improved response to physical effort. The supplementimproved athletes’ endurance capabilities(15).

NEPHRO AND NEUROPROTECTIONCordyceps sinensis has been recommended for use, in combination with low doses of cyclosporineA (a medication used to prevent transplant rejection), in patients receiving kidney transplants, andits positive effects in the treatment of chronic renal disease have also been studied.

It has been used in China for more than a thousand years to promote respiratory health. Illnessessuch as asthma, bronchitis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) have therefore allbeen treated with this fungus.

APHRODISIACIn Traditional Chinese Medicine Cordyceps has for a long time been used in cases of maleimpotence and erectile dysfunction, with various studies describing its efficacy(7). Various investigationslink the ingestion of Cordyceps sinensis extracts with improved sperm quality, desire and libido(4).The improvement in sperm quality might be due to the extract’s richness in vitamins, zinc andamino acids ( 7 ) . Fur thermore, Cordyceps s inensis regulates the product ionof testosterone through the activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway(11).

11)Cordyceps sinensis.

12)Dzongsar medical dispensary’s Tibetanpharmacy.

12

COLLABORATIONWITH ANASTORE

Cordycepssinensis

13

The harvesting of Cordyceps sinensis is carried out in various regions of China (Qinghai andKham). Under the supervision of Christian Pamies, a collaborative project has been set up betweenANASTORE and various Tibetan towns for the harvesting and commercialization of this valuableproduct.

ANASTORE’s philosophy supports environmental sustainability and the development of towns thatharvest Cordyceps. This collaboration provides an extremely important source of income to theinhabitants of these towns as there are no intermediaries between the harvesters and ANASTORE.Furthermore, with the objective of ensuring that the harvest is carried out in a sustainable manner,with respect for the environment, we are currently developing a protocol for good practice in orderto ensure better control of harvesting and the quality of the primary material.

Once in our laboratory, the Cordyceps specimens are classified according to their weight and,before being packaged, subjected to cleaning and disinfection procedures. Finally, they are analysedby an external laboratory to certify that they are free of heavy metals and conform to the requiredmicrobiological criteria.

the best choice

13)On the peaks with the mushroom-pickersat an altitude of 4,750m.

14)Cordyceps market in Lhasa, Tibet

14

1. Shrestha et al. (2013) Trade, harvest, and conservation of caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) inthe Himalayas. Biological Conservation 159: 514–520.

2. Illana-Esteban (2007) Cordyceps sinensis, un hongo usado en la medicina tradicional China. RevistaIberoamericana de Micología 24: 259-262.

3. Chen et al. (2013) Properties of Cordyceps Sinensis: A review. Journal of Functional Foods 5: 550-569.

4. Shashidhar et al. (2013) Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement – A review.Journal of Functional Foods 5: 1013-1030.

5. Winkler (2009) Caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis). Production and sustainability on the TibetanPlateau and in the Himalayas. Asian Medicine 5: 291–316.

6. Li et al. (2004) Distinction of water-soluble constituents between natural and cultured Cordyceps by capillaryelectrophoresis. Phytomedicine 11: 684-690.

7. Zhu et al. (1998) The scientific rediscovery of an ancient chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis PartI. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 4(3): 289-303.

8. Li et al. (2006) Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis, a valued traditional Chinese medicine. Journal ofPharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 41: 1571–1584.

9. Russell et al. (2008) Cordyceps-A traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory?Phytochemistry 69: 1469-1495.

10. Tuli et al. (2013) Cordycepin: A bioactive metabolite with therapeutic potential. Life Sciences 93: 863-869.

11. Hsu et al. (2003) Regulatory mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis.FEBS Letters 543: 140-143.

12. Guo et al. (2010) Cordycepin prevents hyperlipidemia in hamsters fed a high-fat diet via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences 113: 395-403.

13. Ji at al. (2009) Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract. Phytotherapy Research 23(1): 116-22.

14. Koh et al. (2003) Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordycepssinensis. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 26: 691-694.

15. Rossi et al. (2014) Improving training condition assessment in endurance cyclists: effects of Ganodermalucidum and Ophiocordyceps sinensis dietary supplementation. Evidence-based Complementary and AlternativeMedicine 14: 11 pp.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cordycepssinensis